On Sunday evening, the 2024 NBA Offseason officially started, with the free agency period beginning at 6:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. It started with a bang as the big pieces came off the board earlier in the week, like Paul George joining the Philadelphia 76ers, Klay Thompson joining the Dallas Mavericks via sign-and-trade, and Kentavious Caldwell Pope joining the Orlando Magic. Those were the three biggest free agents this offseason, and they are already off the board.
As a result of the free agency period starting on June 30th instead of July 1st, many teams were searching for that pivotal player (or players) to help them extend their window of contention during the free agency period. However, despite the mad scramble to find those pieces, the Philadelphia 76ers secured Paul George, the biggest name in free agency this year. They fended off last ditch challenges from the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors to acquire him.
By getting him to leave LA for Philly, the Sixers fulfilled their goal of getting that third player next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. If the three of them can continue to play like they did last year, the Sixers would have the highest scoring trio in the league. Scoring 83 points per game would be a nightmare to defend for any opposing team in the association.
In addition, George’s game should fit perfectly next to Embiid and Maxey. He made 41.3% of his three-pointers last year, an especially great skillset next to Maxey and Embiid. Who create a lot of wide-open high-percentage shots for their teammates. Also, George can create his own shot as well, and is not reliant on having the ball in his hands. So, he will not inhibit the growth of Tyrese Maxey either. If the three of them can stay healthy and create good chemistry. The Sixers are not only a big winner of the free agency period, but they have also secured the biggest difference maker/impactful free agent on the board.
Fresh off their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 2011, the biggest knock on the Dallas Mavericks was they were missing a third scorer. That weakness became pretty evident during the 2024 NBA Finals as they lost in five games. That must have been on the minds of Dallas’ front office, because they secured Klay Thompson via the sign-and-trade method. Sending two second-round picks to Golden State and Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets, but the Mavericks have added that third scoring piece that will put them over the top in the Western Conference.
Thompson scored 17.9 points per game, had a 43.2% field goal percentage, and made 38.7% of his three-pointers. That scoring average would make the third best scorer Dallas has on the roster. Even though he is still recovering from a torn ACL, a 60% healthy Klay Thompson is better than a majority of the league, and a better scoring option than what the Mavericks have had over the past few years. Additionally, he should have a lot of opportunity to increase his scoring average and three-point percentage with the amount of high-percentage shooting opportunities Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving create for their teammates.
If the three of them can stay healthy and build their chemistry, the Mavericks have a chance to return to the NBA Finals next season.
Last season, the Orlando Magic were one of the most improved teams in the league. As a result of their play during the regular season, they were able to secure a playoff spot. Despite falling to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round, the Magic have one of the youngest rosters in the association, with their biggest weakness being not having a third scorer or wing defender.
As a result, of that need the Magic took a big swing and signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope from the Nuggets. He is a player who has a skillset that meets Orlando’s scoring and defensive needs. Also, he can make his shots from beyond the arc, and his game should pair well with Paolo Banchero. If KCP can bring his play from Denver to Orlando, then the Magic will be a problem in the Eastern Conference.
